Preliminary Ecological Appraisal for Proposed Agricultural Development in Somerset
Southwest Environmental Limited recently prepared a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) report for a surveying firm in Yeovil, Somerset. The site is positioned within the planning jurisdiction of South Somerset District Council. The appraisal was commissioned in connection with the proposed development of a single farmworker’s dwelling and an associated parking area. Our team completed the necessary ecological surveying and reporting with a rapid turnaround.
Methodology and Scope of Works
The ecological appraisal was conducted in strict accordance with industry standards, incorporating the CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (2024). The assessment commenced with a desktop study to identify statutory designated sites, local habitats, and geo-spatially tagged species within the site’s zone of influence. The site is located inside the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Impact Risk Zones of Influence for multiple biological sites, including Grove Farm and Whitevine Meadows. The desktop phase also verified that the site is located 1,155 metres north of the Dorset National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Following the desktop review, a Phase 1 habitat survey was executed to classify and map the habitats present, adhering to the standard UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) system. Further details regarding our ecological assessments can be found on the Southwest Environmental Limited ecology page.
Habitat Classification and Species Assessment
The surveyed site predominantly consists of modified grassland, covering approximately 1,618 square metres, and is characterised by a short sward dominated by perennial ryegrass. The eastern and southern boundaries contain continuous sections of mixed scrub, measuring approximately 182 square metres, comprising species such as bramble, common nettle, field elm, and elder.
During the field survey, the site was systematically evaluated for its potential to support species protected under national legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. The assessment concluded that the mixed scrub boundaries offer suitable nesting habitat for common and widespread bird species Additionally, the site provides potential foraging and commuting habitats for mammals, such as hedgehogs, and various terrestrial invertebrates. The preliminary protected species assessment also investigated the potential for roosting bats; however, the absence of onsite trees, buildings, and suitable roosting features led to a low likelihood of roosting bats being present. Similarly, the site offers sub-optimal terrestrial habitat for great crested newts due to the lack of dense tussocky cover and aquatic breeding features.
Conclusions and Site Enhancements
The overall nature conservation value of the site was determined to be low. The proposed residential development is anticipated to have a minimal ecological impact, provided that specific precautionary mitigation measures are implemented prior to and during construction. These essential measures include the directional mowing of grassland to displace any potential reptiles and the scheduling of scrub clearance outside of the active bird nesting season, which typically occurs from March to September inclusive. Consequently, no further Phase 2 species-specific surveys were deemed necessary for this project.
The development presents actionable opportunities to enhance the site’s biodiversity. Recommendations include native hedgerow planting, the creation of log piles, the installation of bat and bird boxes, and the incorporation of permeable boundaries featuring hedgehog gaps in new fencing.
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